Go Back
–+ servings
Perfect Layer Cake Recipe: Flaky Layers & Rich Flavor
Molly

Perfect Layer Cake Recipe: Flaky Layers & Rich Flavor

A classic American layer cake with tender vanilla and chocolate layers, unified by silky chocolate ganache. Moist, airy crumb achieved through precise temperature control and balanced batter.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Unsalted Butter 1 cup (2 sticks), Room Temperature
  • Granulated Sugar 2 cups
  • Vanilla Extract 2 tsp (or vanilla bean paste)
  • Ice Water 1 cup
  • Cake Flour 3 cups
  • Buttermilk 2 cups (or plain plant-based yogurt)
  • Baking Powder 1 tbsp
  • Dark Chocolate 1 cup chopped (70% cocoa)
  • Heavy Cream 1 cup (or vegan butter + almond milk mix)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sift cake flour and baking powder into separate bowls
  2. In a stand mixer, cream refrigerated butter and sugar at low speed for 3 minutes until pearly
  3. Alternate adding buttermilk and dry ingredients with vanilla extract, mixing until smooth
  4. Divide batter into 3 greased 8-inch x 2-inch round pans
  5. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden; cool completely
  6. Melt dark chocolate with cream in 20-second microwave intervals until glossy. Cool 1 hour
  7. Assemble layers with room-temp ganache between each, chilling 10 minutes between layers

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 240mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18g

Notes

Room-temperature butter ensures smooth emulsification
Vegan substitutions shown in parentheses
Use 40°F ice water for optimal texture
Double-acting baking powder recommended

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!